The Future of Hoverboard Technology Looks a Lot Like Surfing On a Mattress

The Future of Hoverboard Technology Looks a Lot Like Surfing On a Mattress

ArcaSpace, a private space company, is very pumped on its new hoverboard (or ‘ArcaBoard’) if this promotional video is any indication. And it is impressive watching the ArcaSpace CEO balancing atop the contraption as it levitates a foot above the ground, the overall effect being like that of a David Copperfield illusion. It’s fun and imagination-capturing in that same, childlike way — and perhaps that’s the whole point, as the CEO explains that the inspiration for the ArcaBoard came from the COO of Arca’s son while on vacation, who commented on how “awesome” it would be if they could hover over the rough terrain of Oregon.

The Verge has a skeptical take on this new technology, citing it’s $20,000 price tag and lack of steering capability when proposing that the device “appears to have little purpose beyond marketing.” And certainly ArcaSpace’s promotional materials are overstating the case just a tad in singing the praises of its new invention: “For the first time, every person will be able to fly anytime, anywhere. The world, your world, will change forever.” Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. For now, it’s a bit of a lark to watch a man balancing precariously on a mattress-shaped box that is floating above the ground thanks to the help of 36 electric fans and a blind devotion to making something just because it is a little bit awesome.